The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal John A. Spazzafero (MCSN: 417289), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader in a Rifle Platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 17 May 1945. When his squad was cut off from the remainder of the company and then taken under heavy enemy fire during an attack on a strong hostile position, Corporal Spazzafero placed his men in defensive locations and took up a firing position despite painful wounds received during the action. Although wounded a second time, he remained to direct his squad and, spotting a group of the Japanese approaching the left flank, seized an automatic rifle and fired into the formation from an erect position, succeeding in breaking up the attack and in annihilating nine of the enemy before a third, fourth and fifth wound incapacitated him. Gain refusing evacuation, he remained at his post until darkness to lessen the danger to his rescuers. His gallant fighting spirit, inspiring leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.